Ovarian cancer blood test

We measure the amount of Ca-125 in your blood. This is a cancer protein that’s elevated in ovarian cancer. This ovarian cancer tumour marker should ideally be combined with a transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVS) as the Ca-125 blood test does not always pick up ovarian cancer. The TVS is a special pencil size scanner that's inserted into your vagina to look at your ovaries. Limitations of the Ca-125 blood test: - It doesn't always detect ovarian cancer and cases may be missed - It should ideally be combined with a special scan called the transvaginal ultrasound scan to increase the chances of ovarian cancer being picked up. This is a slim ultrasound probe that's inserted into your vagina to take a closer look at your ovaries - The Ca-125 can be elevated in other conditions apart from ovarian cancer which can cause anxiety. Although ovarian cancer screening tests have not been conclusively shown to reduce the risk of dying from the disease, we do know that detecting the disease early improves your chances of survival. We also have newer forms of therapy that have now transformed the treatment of ovarian cancer. So we would still recommend the test, particularly if you’re at risk.